Getting started with Claude Code
Learn how to install, authenticate, and start using Claude Code.
Check system requirements
- Operating Systems: macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+/Debian 10+, or Windows via WSL
- Hardware: 4GB RAM minimum
- Software:
- Network: Internet connection required for authentication and AI processing
- Location: Available only in supported countries
Troubleshooting WSL installation
Currently, Claude Code does not run directly in Windows, and instead requires WSL. If you encounter issues in WSL:
-
OS/platform detection issues: If you receive an error during installation, WSL may be using Windows
npm
. Try:- Run
npm config set os linux
before installation - Install with
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code --force --no-os-check
(Do NOT usesudo
)
- Run
-
Node not found errors: If you see
exec: node: not found
when runningclaude
, your WSL environment may be using a Windows installation of Node.js. You can confirm this withwhich npm
andwhich node
, which should point to Linux paths starting with/usr/
rather than/mnt/c/
. To fix this, try installing Node via your Linux distribution’s package manager or vianvm
.
Install and authenticate
Install Claude Code
Install NodeJS 18+, then run:
Do NOT use sudo npm install -g
as this can lead to permission issues and
security risks. If you encounter permission errors, see configure Claude
Code for recommended solutions.
Navigate to your project
Start Claude Code
Complete authentication
Claude Code offers multiple authentication options:
- Anthropic Console: The default option. Connect through the Anthropic Console and complete the OAuth process. Requires active billing at console.anthropic.com.
- Claude App (with Max plan): Subscribe to Claude’s Max plan for a single subscription that includes both Claude Code and the web interface. Get more value at the same price point while managing your account in one place. Log in with your Claude.ai account. During launch, choose the option that matches your subscription type.
- Enterprise platforms: Configure Claude Code to use Amazon Bedrock or Google Vertex AI for enterprise deployments with your existing cloud infrastructure.
Initialize your project
For first-time users, we recommend:
Start Claude Code
Run a simple command
Generate a CLAUDE.md project guide
Commit the generated CLAUDE.md file
Ask Claude to commit the generated CLAUDE.md file to your repository.
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